CHICAGO (AP) — Child sexual abuse at Illinois juvenile detention centers was pervasive and systemic for decades, according to disturbing accounts in a lawsuit filed Monday by 95 men and women housed at the youth centers as children.
The lawsuit details alleged incidents of abuse from 1996 to 2017, including gang rape, forced oral sex, beatings and groping of children by corrections officers, sergeants, nurses, therapists, a chaplain and others at nine youth centers. Many plaintiffs said they were threatened or rewarded to keep quiet.
“The State of Illinois has allowed a culture of abuse at Illinois Youth Centers to flourish unabated,” the 186-page complaint said.
The lawsuit, filed in the Illinois Court of Claims, follows similar harrowing allegations of child sex abuse at juvenile detention centers in Maryland, New Jersey, New Hampshire, California and New York City. Some cases have gone to trial or resulted in settlements; arrests have been infrequent.
John Swinney is crowned as SNP leader
New monster movie eyes even bigger China haul via holiday boost
Ethiopian region looks to develop tourism
Taipei's Palace Museum launches high
James Corden appears in good spirits as he arrives with glamorous wife Julia Carey at the pre
Ancient tea embraces new flavor
Kate Martin attends WNBA draft to support Caitlin Clark, gets drafted by Las Vegas in second round
Ethiopian region looks to develop tourism
Former Alabama star player, athletic director Hootie Ingram dies at age 90
Democrats seek to seize control of deadlocked Michigan House in special elections
Signatures submitted for 'top two' primary election in Republican
ITTF World Cup Macao 2024 kicks off